As the subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, Switch Mobility Ltd has announced the supply and operation of 300 units of 12-meter electric buses. Assigned to the BMTC (Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation), Switch will supply, operate, and maintain the fleet and its charging infrastructure. Under the FAME II scheme, Switch will monitor the fleet for 12 years under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. To focus on the comfort aspect of Bengaluru passengers while commuting, Switch will provide state-of-the-art, technologically advanced, low-noise buses.
According to Switch, the electric buses will annually reduce fuel consumption by 5.5 million litres leading to cost savings. The company also states that these electric buses will aid in reducing carbon emission by an annual 14,500+ tonnes. With this contract, Switch aims to fulfil its vision of becoming a global technology leader. Additionally, the company plans to provide valuable net-zero carbon commercial mobility products and solutions for its stakeholders.
Switch 12-meter electric bus: Technical Details
In terms of capacity, Switch offers the 12-meter electric bus with a 40-seat or 45-seat configuration. The company also provides the option to customize the seating configuration for wheelchair & accessibility requirements. Powering the e-bus is a 150kW continuous power, permanent magnet synchronous AC motor that provides a 200-300 Km range per charge. According to Switch, the e-bus takes 45 minutes or an hour to charge, depending on the schedule for uninterrupted operations. Switch also offers the option to fit the bus with the exact numbers of battery packs based on the need.
What is Switch Mobility?
As the next-gen EV manufacturer of buses and LCVs, Switch Mobility is a start-up focussed on green mobility using innovative elements. The 3rd largest bus and LCV manufacturer, Ashok Leyland, in partnership with UK bus manufacturer Optare, created Switch Mobility. Switch introduced the first British-built, pure electric buses to the roads of London in 2014.
To date, Switch has introduced over 300 EVs on the road, clocking up over 30 million electric miles. Sold in over 46 developed and developing countries, the company has its base in Leeds, in the UK, and Chennai, in India. With a combination of Indian and British design, Switch capitalizes on demonstrable experience and proven expertise in lightweight architecture. Additionally, the company focuses on net-zero carbon technologies, data analytics, software, and customer service.
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